Araku MP's stand on bauxite mining hailed

VISAKHAPATNAM: Samata, an NGO working for the rights of tribals, has welcomed the statement of senior Congress leader and Araku MP Kishore Chandra Deo that he would oppose bauxite mining in the tribal areas of the district.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Samata executive director Rebbapragada Ravi said the statements from the MP that he would take up the issue with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was a big boost to various people's organisations that were fighting against bauxite mining that could deprive tribals of their livelihood besides causing colossal damage to the eco-system.

He alleged that the AP Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) had been going against the aspirations of the people ever since the State Government had reached an agreement to supply raw material to Jindal and Anrak companies. It has been flouting all guidelines to favour the private companies, he alleged.

Water crisis

The bauxite smelter would require 20 million gallons of water a day. Already the city and the district were suffering a severe water crisis and this would add to water woes of the people. He called upon leaders of all political parties to extend their support to the cause of tribals.

Mr. Ravi said the Centre for Economic and Social Studies, Hyderabad, and Samata had jointly conducted a study to find out the future impact on the livelihood of tribals by bauxite mining. The findings of the study would be explained at a meeting to be held at the Visakha Public Library at Dwarakanagar on March 26. Those who wish to participate in the meeting can contact Samata representative G. Srinivas on mobile no. 99898 60484 for details.